The Diocesan Memorandum (formerly the Clergy Memorandum) is a service of the Office of the Chancellor for clergy and lay leadership of the Diocese of Cleveland, providing a summary of relevant and timely information from the Office of the Bishop and other diocesan offices.
Catholic Relief Services Collection | 30 March 2025
The CRS Collection is one of the twelve national collections established by the bishops of the United States so that, by combining resources, we can more effectively carry out the global mission of the Church. It offers Catholics a convenient opportunity to help more than 110 million people at home and abroad through a charitable contribution during Mass. The CRS Collection supports six Catholic organizations (Catholic Relief Services; USCCB Department of Justice, Peace, and Human Development; USCCB Migration and Refugee Services; Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc.; USCCB Secretariat for Cultural Diversity in the Church; and the Holy Father’s Relief Fund) that advance the international social ministry of the Catholic Church. The CRS Collection is taken up in the Diocese of Cleveland on Laetare Sunday, the Fourth Sunday of Lent (March 10, 2024). If you are interested in learning more please contact Diocesan Social Action Office Director Shawn Witmer at 216-316-9544.
CRS Rice Bowl
CRS Rice Bowl is a faith-in-action program that provides resources for use in parish and school community settings, with complementary materials for families to foster their faith life at home. Through CRS Rice Bowl, US Catholics respond to Pope Francis’s invitation to ‘share the journey’ with members of our human family around the world, and commit our Lenten prayers, fasting and almsgiving to deepening our faith and serving those in need. CRS Rice Bowl contributions support projects that assist the poor both overseas and here in the United States. 75% of CRS Rice Bowl contributions are sent to Catholic Relief Services and help fund development projects overseas that help increase and maintain communities’ access to food. 25% of the contributions fund local poverty and hunger alleviation programs in the Diocese of Cleveland through the Catholic Charities Emergency Hunger and Shelter Fund. CRS Rice Bowl begins on Ash Wednesday, March 5, 2025, and ends with Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025. If you are interested in learning more please contact Diocesan Social Action Office Director Shawn Witmer at 216-316-9544.
Rite of Election Reminder
The 2025 Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion will be celebrated on Sunday, March 9, at 2pm at Cleveland Public Auditorium. All parish staff, OCIA Teams, and parishioners – whether or not you are bringing catechumens or candidates – are encouraged to attend Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion as we celebrate this pivotal moment in the lives of many. There will be plenty of seating and a large screen to enhance visibility. Following the celebration, docents will be available at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist for anyone who would like a tour prior to the regular weekend 5:30pm Cathedral Mass.
St. Cecilia Institute – Save the Date
St. Cecilia Institute, August 5-7, 2025, is for all music ministers, paid and volunteer. This year’s institute features tracks for directors and members of music ministries, paid or volunteer. On Tuesday, August 5, come be inspired as Steve Petrunak offers his reflections on Accompanying the Journey with Hope. Wednesday, August 6 will include learning opportunities with extended breakout sessions led by local clinicians, and a gathering with Jaime Cortez as we get to the heart of discipleship. Thursday, August 7, participants can choose between a CLEF workshop or further breakouts, with a guided panel discussion concluding the day to allow all to unpack what we have learned. All three days will include plenty of time for prayer, food, and social time with fellow music ministers. Plan now to attend.
Formation Sessions for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Formation Sessions for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are being offered each month. Register via the link included in the letter that was sent out at the end of January. Refer to the Office for Worship website for the complete list of locations.
A Liturgical Preparation Aid for Lent, the Sacred Paschal Triduum and Easter, provided by The Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions, is available for download free of charge here.
April 2025 Liturgical Calendar Reminders
In the Sacred Paschal Triduum, the Church solemnly celebrates the greatest mysteries of our redemption. Please be attentive to the instructions in the Ordo and the rubrics in the Roman Missal for these special celebrations of the memorial of our Lord, crucified, buried, and risen.
The Fifth Sunday of Lent – April 6. The practice of covering crosses and images throughout the church from this Sunday may be observed. Crosses remain covered until the end of the celebration of the Lord’s Passion on Good Friday, but images remain covered until the beginning of the Easter Vigil.
The Chrism Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday of Holy Week, April 15 at 7:00 pm. At this special liturgy, all the holy oils that will be used in our diocese for the coming year will be consecrated. This is also an opportunity for priests of the diocese to renew themselves in their priestly vocation. Please be advised that, in an effort to be fair and non-partisan, general seating for the Chrism Mass will be first come, first served; saving of seats for others not present will not be allowed. Doors will open at 6 pm. Holy Oils may be collected after the Mass. Thank you for your free will offering when you collect the Holy Oils for your parish.
On Holy Thursday, April 17, the tabernacle should be entirely emptied before Mass begins. The Rite of the Reception of the Holy Oils may be done in conjunction with the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, or it may be done at another time. The old oils are burned or buried. Holy water should be removed from all fonts immediately before the celebration of the Mass of the Lord’s Supper. They are refilled with the water blessed at the Easter Vigil.
On Good Friday, Adoration of the Holy Cross may take place in either of the two forms provided in the Roman Missal. If, because of the large number of people or arrangement of the church, it is not possible for all to approach the cross in procession, the individual adoration may be done by only the priest and a few of the faithful, with the majority of the assembly adoring the cross in silence from their seats. (Roman Missal, pg. 185, no. 19)
Easter Vigil, Saturday, April 19. The earliest start time for the Easter Vigil this year is 9:00 pm.
The Office for Worship has received some inquiries about Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament during the Triduum. In communities that have Perpetual Exposition, Perpetual Exposition pauses when the parish celebration of the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper begins. After midnight on Holy Thursday, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament should take place without solemnity. Adoration of the Reserved Sacrament in the tabernacle is appropriate, but there is no Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in a monstrance between Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday and the Easter Vigil. Under no circumstances may Perpetual Exposition take place during the Easter Triduum. (Roman Missal, pg. 168, no. 43; see also https://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/prayers-and-devotions/adoration/perpetual-exposition-of-the-blessed-sacrament )
Each year, Pope Francis asks every Catholic parish around the world to take up the Pontifical Good Friday Collection to keep a Christian presence in the Holy Land. Help is needed this year more than ever because of the war. Please encourage generous support of the Good Friday Collection.
A special plenary indulgence may be received on Sunday, April 27, the Sunday of Divine Mercy. Please see the notation in the Ordo.
“Prayer for the baptism of aborted babies’
Please do not allow the distribution of prayer cards for the “baptism of aborted babies.” While it is possible to “discern an analogy” between “infants who suffer and die … as victims of violence” and “the baptism of blood which brings salvation” (International Theological Commission, The Hope of Salvation for Infants Who Die without Being Baptized [2007], 86b), it is not possible to baptize an infant who died by abortion.
February 2025 Announcements
Rev. Anthony J. Marshall concludes his appointment as Administrator of Communion of Saints Parish, Cleveland Heights, and has been appointed Pastor of Communion of Saints Parish, Cleveland Heights, effective 15 January 2025.
Rev. John P. Singler has been appointed Administrator of St. Bartholomew Parish, Middleburg Heights effective 28 February 2025. This assignment is in addition to his assignment as Pastor of St. Mary Parish, Berea. His residence remains unchanged.
Rev. James M. Roach has been appointed Presbyteral Moderator of St. Augustine Parish, Cleveland effective 31 January 2025. This appointment is in addition to his assignment as Pastor of St. John Cantius Parish, Cleveland. His residence remains unchanged.
Rev. Stanley J. Klasinski has resigned from his appointment as Pastor of St. Clare Parish, Lyndhurst and has been granted early retirement for health reasons effective 30 June 2025.
Rev. Damian J. Ference concludes his appointment as Secretary for Parish Life and Special Ministries effective 03 February 2025. His appointment as Vicar for Evangelization and his residence remain unchanged.
Rev. Andrzej Panek concludes his assignment as Parochial Vicar of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Cleveland, effective 02 June 2025.
Rev. Michael J. Feldtz has changed residences from the rectory at St. Wendelin Parish to the rectory of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Cleveland. His appointment as Parochial Vicar of St. Wendelin Parish, Cleveland and Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Cleveland remains the same.
Rev. Matthew E. Pfeiffer has been appointed Chaplain of the South Akron Knights of Columbus Council #3410. This is in addition to his current assignment as Pastor of St. Paul Parish, Akron effective 15 February 2025.
Rev. William O’Donnell, CPPS concludes his appointment as Administrator of St. Augustine Parish, Cleveland effective 31 January 2025.
Rev. Leo DeChant, CSJ, with permission of the Very Reverend Jesus Jose Berrizbeitia Lazpita, CSJ, Provincial Minister of the Congregation of St. Joseph, USA/Mexico Province, concludes his assignment as Pastor of St. Bartholomew Parish, Middleburg Heights effective 28 February 2025. He has been granted senior priest retirement status, and his residence remains unchanged.
Mr. Anthony Camino has been appointed Parish Life Coordinator of St. Augustine Parish, Cleveland effective 31 January 2025.
Benedictine monks at Saint Andrew Abbey, Cleveland
We are excited to launch our new Come and See Program! If you are a male between the ages of 20-45, and are curious about Benedictine living, and would like to discern a possible vocation to religious life, we invite you to join us for a day of prayer, work and discernment. We will take you through a day in the life of a Benedictine monk, here in Cleveland. We will start the day with Lauds at 7:10am and end with Vigils starting at 7:05pm. The program is scheduled to take place on the second Saturday of each month, so if you would like to join us, and other young men for a day of discernment, please contact our vocation director, Father Thomas Sanders, or his assistant Br. Gregory Coyne, for further details. Walk-ups not accepted. Space is limited. Vocation Director, Father Thomas Sanders, OSB | (216)-721-5300 Ext. 225
Fund A Dream
Have donors interested in helping to support a student's education at your school? Fund A Dream is a great way for donors to directly support a scholarship in their community. Graphics to promote this opportunity can be found here.
Angel Scholarship Fund
Encourage your donors to claim a State of Ohio Tax Credit now that they know their State of Ohio Tax Liability. Pulpit announcements, bulletin inserts, graphics and more can be found online here.
2024 Catholic Charities Appeal
Make me a channel of your peace: The 2025 Catholic Charities Appeal is in full swing and gifts are being processed as quickly as possible. A special thanks to parishes across the diocese for conducting the annual In-Pew Weekend in February and utilizing all the avenues possible to reach parishioners. In-Pew Weekend typically raises 25% of our $15.3 million goal. We could not do it without the support of the pastors, staff and volunteers.
Parishes are asked to send their envelopes and completed transmittal form via UPS or FEDEX to: Agilis/Catholic Community Foundation; 2381 Crossroads Blvd; Albert Lea, MN 56007.
Continue to thank your parishioners for their support of the Appeal with a message in your bulletin, on your website, and e-newsletters. Please share the impact of Catholic Charities and the Appeal with your social media followers by sharing Facebook posts from the Catholic Community Foundation. Use the resources available to make your efforts easier. Visit www.CatholicCommunity.org/2025Appeal to view the video or read the stories of those impacted by your gifts. Click here to donate online. Email Sarah Gozur, or call 216-696-6525 x1910 with questions or for additional information.
Qualified Charitable Distributions bulletin announcement
If you are 70 ½ or older, you may be able to make a gift of a Qualified Charitable Distribution from your IRA that will help us in our ministry and reduce your taxable income. Talk to your advisors and IRA administrator for more information and to be sure that your IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution gift is made directly from an IRA to a qualified charity such as our parish. Questions? Contact XX in our parish office at XXX-XXX-XXXX or Moira Wopershall of the Catholic Community Foundation at 216-696-6525 x 8070 or visit www.catholiccommunity.org/ira
The Martin T. Galvin Memorial Scholarship
Who is eligible: high school students pursuing a Catholic education with a parent or relative who is a practicing attorney. Guidelines and the application can be found on Digital Academy or here. The application deadline is March 15.
Tabor Fund Grant Awards
Tabor Grant awards provide an opportunity for ministers to refresh and re-energize their spirituality and faith as well as their mental and physical well-being, fostering personal development and improving their ministry. Direct any questions to Jessica DiSalvatore at 216-696-6525 x 4080. Guidelines and the application for the 2025A cycle can be found here. The application deadline is March 15.
WELLNESS INCENTIVES AND WORKING SPOUSE VERIFICATION FORMS
The Annual Physical and Tobacco Attestation Form applies to all participants and spouses who are covered under our medical plans. Employees with a spouse covered under the medical plan with no current surcharge are to confirm their status by completing the Working Spouse Verification Form. A mailing was sent to all parishes and schools in January. Please remind your employees on our health plans that the forms must be returned to the Benefits Office NO LATER THAN MAY 1, 2025
Forms and more information can be found on the Employee Benefits website Please contact the Employee Benefits Office, at (216) 696-6525, ext. 5040 or email with any questions.
A Flourishing Apostolic Church
A 3-week study of the Pastoral Letter from Bishop Malesic
Starting March 17 | Various days and locations to choose from. Register here for free.
Estudio de la Carta Pastoral del Obispo Malesic
En español se ofrecerá una sesión en cuatro lugares comenzando el 8 de marzo. Para más información por favor de comunicarse con Hortensia Rodriguez.
Office of Catechetical Formation
Grant applications for Religious Education Program Grants, funded by The Catholic Education Endowment Trust, are now available in the Digital Academy or by contacting the Office of Catechetical Formation. Awards are limited to $1,500. If you are looking to support your parish or school religious education program with updated materials and/or training contact Lauren O’Hara at lohara@dioceseofcleveland.org or 216-696-6525 ext. 1920.
Eucharistic Revival – Year of Mission
We hope to see you at the “mini” Eucharistic Congress near you. Please contact the host parish for more information.
Save the date: Closing Liturgy for the Eucharistic Revival | Saturday, June 28, 2025 | St. John the Evangelist Cathedral
Jubilee 2025: Pilgrims of Hope
The Jubilee bulletin insert for March is currently available in English and Spanish.
One of the normal conditions for obtaining a plenary indulgence is to pray for the Pope and his intentions. Pope Francis’ monthly intention for March is for families in crisis: Let us pray that broken families might discover the cure for their wounds through forgiveness, rediscovering each other's gifts, even in their differences.
A Jubilee Revival for a Flourishing Church: An Evening with the Vicar for Evangelization
Join Fr. Damian Ference at one of the Jubilee sacred sites for a reflection on Bishop Malesic’s pastoral letter and how it connects to the Jubilee Year of Hope and the Eucharistic Revival. If you attend Mass at the Jubilee site before or after the event and fulfill the other normal conditions as soon as possible, you can obtain a Jubilee indulgence.
Office for the Protection of Children & Youth
Reporting abuse is critical to the safety of our children. Please remind everyone in your parish/school community to report any suspected inappropriate behavior as noted below. The OPCY asks parishes to publish the bulletin announcement below at least twice during the Audit period of July 1, 2024 -June 30, 2025. When published, parishes are asked to forward an electronic copy of the bulletin to childprotection@dioceseofcleveland.org. Thank you for helping to keep all kids safe.
Bulletin announcement to comply with the requirements of the USCCB Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People:
Protecting God’s Children
The Diocese of Cleveland’s “Protecting God’s Children” program is a continuing effort to instruct and inform everyone about the protection of children from sexual abuse. To report any past or present suspected inappropriate behavior toward children by priests, deacons, religious, lay ecclesial ministers or personnel associated with the Church, immediately inform local authorities about inappropriate behavior. Also, please contact the Diocesan Response Service Office at 216-334-2999 or via email.
Office of Youth Ministry
Youth Minister TED Talks
Monday, March 3, 10:00-11:00am | Online
Presentations topics: Welcoming Freshmen, Celebrating Seniors, Mass & Breakfast, and Fundraising Ideas.
Office of Black Catholic Ministries
Lenten Revival
Wednesday, March 5-7, 7:00-8:30pm | St. Agnes / Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Cleveland
Office for Human Life
Bringing America Back to Life – Student Workshop
Friday, March 7, 12:00pm-3:00pm | Embassy Suites, Independence
Office for Human Life
Bringing America Back to Life
March 7-8 | Embassy Suites, Independence
Office of Marriage & Family Ministry
Cycle Prep Workshop
Saturday, March 8, 10:00am-12:00pm | St. Sebastian Parish, Akron
Office of Youth Ministry
YM Bootcamp: Partnering with Parents
Thursday, March 20, 6:30-8:30pm | St. Albert the Great Parish, North Royalton
Office of Hispanic Ministry
Talleres en Espiritualidad Ignaciana
Jueves, 20 marzo y 24 abril, 6:00pm | St. Ignatius High School, Capilla Santa María de la Asunción
Office of Hispanic Ministry
Juan XXIII Retiro para Caballeros
21-23 de marzo| Nuestra Señora de Lourdes, Casa de Retiro, Cleveland
Para más información por favor de comunicarse con Josean al (216) 527-4111
Office of Marriage & Family Ministry
Cycle Prep Workshop
Saturday, March 22, 10:00am-12:00pm | Holy Family Parish, Stow
Office of Lay Ecclesial Ministry
Living the Prophetic - Hearing God's Voice for Yourself and Others
Saturday, March 22, 10:00am - 12:00pm | Center for Pastoral Leadership, Wickliffe
Office of Marriage and Family Ministry
Behold Mother-Daughter Retreat
Saturday, March 22, 10:00am - 4:00pm | Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine, Euclid
Office of Youth Ministry
Middle School Youth Ministry: Summer Camps & Activities
Tuesday, March 25, 10:00-11:30am | St. Mary Parish, Hudson
Office of Black Catholic Ministries
African Presence in Scripture
Thursday and Friday, April 10-11, 6:30-8:00pm | St. Agnes / Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Cleveland
Summer Camp Employment Working with Children with Disabilities
Catholic Charities Disability Services will be interviewing college students and young professionals to work this summer for Camp Happiness at the Center for Pastoral Leadership in Wickliffe. This is a great opportunity to experience a job that is truly one of service, is personally fulfilling, and is fun. Camp Happiness is from 8:45am to 3:15pm beginning June 9 and ending July 25, 2025 (closed on July 4 and includes one week of staff training and six weeks of camp). If you are interested in learning more about working at camp, email Megan Bonilla or call 216-672-1515. Click here to apply - do a search for Camp Happiness to find the open positions.
[Please visit our website for the most updated schedule of events.]
Catholic Cemeteries Association One-Year Anniversary Masses, March 18th - 19th
The one-year death anniversary of a loved one can be a very difficult time for grieving families. For this reason, we remember the faithful departed entrusted to our care, and we pray for the peace and consolation of their families in a special commemorative Mass. The Mass is celebrated annually near the March feast day of St. Joseph (March 19th), our model and intercessor for the grace of a peaceful passage from this life to our eternal home. This year we honor the faithful departed through Mass intentions at three local parishes, allowing families to select a Mass location and time that is most convenient for them to attend.
For more information contact Rhonda or at 216-930-4866.
Catholic Men’s Fellowship Conference | Saturday, March 22, 2025
Bishop Edward C. Malesic Speaking at 3:00pm Celebrating Mass at 4:00pm | Featured Speakers: Fr. Mitch Pacwz, SJ and Elvis Grbac | Click here for more information.
First Friday Club of Cleveland
Peter Burak, Vice President, Renewal Ministries | Thursday, March 6, 2025 | Borromeo/Saint Mary Seminary, 28700 Euclid Ave., Wickliffe, OH 44092 | Registration and more information can found here.
First Friday Club of Greater Akron
Panel of High School Students from Archbishop Hoban High School, Our Lady of the Elms High School, St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, and Walsh Jesuit High School | Friday, March 7, 2025 | Our Lady of Cedars, 507 South Cleveland Massillon Road, Fairlawn, OH 44333 | Registration and more information can found here.
Theology of the Rocks for Adults 40 & Over | Monday, March 10, 2025 | Westside Irish American Club, 8559 Jennings Rd., Olmsted Twp. | Fr. Joe Menkhaus, Parochial Vicar/St. Bernadette | Click here for more information.
Lenten Retreat: Contemplate God's Love & Mercy: A Fig Tree, Two Sons and a Stone | Friday, March 21, 4:00pm - Sunday, March 23, 2025 11:30am | Jesuit Retreat Center, this program is co-sponsored by the Catholic Communities of Avon, Avon Lake, and Bay Village | | Click here for registration.
COAR Peace Mission | St. Romero Day Prayer Service | March 24, 2025, 7:00pm | St. Rita Parish, 32820 Baldwin Rd, Solon, OH 44139 | Click here for more information or to register.
Women's Retreat: Sacred Heart, Gift of Mercy | Presenter: Fr. Joe Robinson | St. Francis de Sales Parish, Akron | April 12, 8:15am-3:00pm | Click here to register.
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Submissions for the next Memorandum should be made to Ann Marie Perkins by the 15th of the preceding month. Guidelines for submissions are available here.
Child & Youth Protection
Our promise to protect, our pledge to heal.
To report an abuse, please contact local law enforcement and:
Kathleen McComb, Victim Assistance Coordinator
Response Services – 216-334-2999
Catholic Diocese of Cleveland © 2025
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